Objects of the Museo de La Rajoleria de Paiporta
Sewing machine
Sexual division of labour
Gender roles
Gender and space
The invention of the sewing machine brought about a revolution in 19th-century households. It made it possible not only to sew one’s own clothing, but also to reuse clothing items thanks to the ingenuity and creativity of the women who had access to this sought-after device. Since it was introduced into homes over 150 years ago, this object has been closely associated with women, as a tool for domestic use. It was only when women joined the workforce that the two gradually began to be disassociated. However, this tool must be considered in direct reference to gender roles and the sexual division of labour.
Deed of purchase for the land occupied by Rajolar de Bauset
Gender roles
Gender and social class
This notarial instrument establishes the purchase of land by Francisco Bauset Martínez on 25 October 1924 with the aim of erecting a factory for construction materials. However, the document does not reveal the true history of this old building, which is that it was the desire of Mrs Teresa Masiá to purchase this land with the intention of setting up a family business. It is thanks to the bravery and determination of this woman that today, the residents of Paiporta not only have an ethnographic museum, but also a historic building.
Galápago (Tile mould)
Sexual division of labour
Gender and body
This industrial tile mould was once used to make tiles in factories. It is one of the pieces that make up the collection of the Museu de la Rajoleria de Paiporta. However, moulding the clay not only involved using this implement, there was also a peculiar method which featured the woman’s body.
Overstitching machine
Sexual division of labour
Gender roles
Gender and space
The overstitching machine on display at the Museu de la Rajoleria is a tool whose function is to make textiles. Designed by the Teyvi brand in 1940 and purchased by Antonia Santamaría Armengol, its use was limited to within the four walls of the home.
Weaving machine
Sexual division of labour
Gender roles
Gender and space
The weaving machine on display in the foyer of the cultural centre was manufactured in 1940. This industrial tool forms part of a sector that is extremely important to Paiporta: textiles. Large in size, this ethnographic piece was operated exclusively by women, making it one of the stops on the museum itinerary for the Rereadings project.